Cyclone DBs talking big changes for new season

AMES – Leonard Johnson admits he got a little full of himself and thought he could get by on talent alone.

David Sims wants more out of his senior year, despite being one of the Big 12's top newcomers a season ago.

Both Iowa State defensive backs are promising changes, and are looking to be more consistent players and team leaders for a team intent on playing in a second straight bowl game despite a brutally tough schedule.

“This offseason I've grown a lot,” said Johnson, a junior who will be in his third season as the team's starting left cornerback. “I'm putting more into it than I ever have. I feel like last year was a big wake-up call for me. I expect to do a lot better.”

Johnson was a standout as a freshman, more so for his work as a kick returner.

He set an NCAA (FBS) record with 319 kickoff return yards against Oklahoma State and ranked 18

^th

nationally with a 26.4-yard return average.

Johnson made 64 tackles a season ago and had two interceptions, but feels that isn't good enough. The Clearwater, Fla., native has been studying video clips of himself since getting back on campus after winter break.

“I've been in the film room like crazy,” Johnson said. “I've established a better relationship with my coaches. I'm more coachable.”

Sims, meanwhile, is coming off a season in which Big 12 Conference coaches picked him as the league's defensive newcomer of the year.

The Butte (Calif.) Community College safety finished with 88 tackles, five interceptions and 3 ½ tackles for loss. Not good enough, Sims said.

“I can play way better,” he said. “I don't think I did good at all. I missed too many tackles. I didn't accomplish what I wanted to my first year. I have a lot of work to do.”

A familiar face will be helping the 5-9, 208-pound senior-to-be try and live up to those expectations.

New secondary coach Bobby Elliott tried to recruit Sims to San Diego State when Elliott was the Aztecs' defensive coordinator under Chuck Long. It was Sims' first scholarship offer.

“We didn't do a good enough job and I am glad that it worked out that way,” said Elliott, who replaced Chris Ash back in February. “He is physical. He can tackle. We are trying to make him a more complete player. If that happens, he can be as good as he wants to be.”

Sims needs to help turn around a defense that allowed opponents 250.2 passing yards a game and ranked 99

^th

nationally overall.

“We have to crisp up our coverage,” Sims said. “We gave up too many deep-ball touchdowns and short stuff.”

Johnson will be key in improving those areas as well.

He'll have a new starter – one of a half-dozen for the Cyclone defense -- on the opposite corner that'll need breaking in. Johnson is eager to take that next step.

“It's time to grow up and throw away the crutches,” Johnson said. “I'm not a freshman anymore or a baby of the program. I want to be a leader.”